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Trainspotting exhibition coming to the National Railway Museum in September

THE National Railway Museum in York is delving into the hobby of trainspotting through the mediums of contemporary art work and artefacts in new expedition.

Visitors will be able to experience the anticipation that has inspired the hobby of trainspotting throughout the ages by enjoying the Museum’s collection of priceless railway art and artefacts – including Jonathan Backhouse’s letter to his sisters describing the opening of the Stockton and Darlington Railway in September 1825, recognised as the world’s first instance of trainspotting.

Amy Banks, Interpretation Developer at the National Railway Museum said: “Trainspotting was one of the most common hobbies for boys in the 1950s, 60s and 70s, but we have asked artists to explore what it means today.”

One of the artists asked was self confessed trainspotter Andrew Cross. In his new exploration of the topic, Andrew uses personal memories of a childhood spent travelling the tracks plus contemporary film work to create the collective experience that links the nostalgic pastime with the international perspective of the present day.